MONROE — On June 18, the Monroe Common Council:
• Heard an audit presentation outlining that the city had $994,000 in non-spendable funds at the end of the year, indicating a good trend downward from $1.2 million, a committed balance of $3 million in working capital and an unassigned fund balance of $640,000 left. The fund balance grew by $121,000 because revenues were higher than budgeted amounts, expenses were also higher but were offset by transfers. It was also noted that the city has been trending at the use of 42 percent of unrestricted funds to deal with unexpected costs. Other updates included note of two new debts accrued in 2017, which prompted the city to reach 57 percent of its debt limit capacity, Tax Increment District 4 became positive and all enterprise funds increased over three years were noted as healthy.
• Appointed former alderman Reid Stangel to the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners.
• Considered an amendment to the project plan of Tax Increment District 9 to expand the TID by 72 acres through parcels connected to the original 98 acres, approving it 7-1. Alderman Ron Marsh voted against the proposal. Council member Michael Boyce was absent from the meeting.
• Accepted the Wastewater Treatment Plant 2018 Compliance Annual Maintenance report.
• Approved a contract with Precision Drive and Control Inc. for over $149,000 to improve traffic signal lights on 21st Street funded through the Street Construction Capital fund.
• Awarded a contract for 2018 curb and gutter repair to Jeff Voegeli Landscaping for more than $91,000.
• Ratified a labor agreement with the Monroe Professional Police Association through 2019.
• Approved special events permit applications for the Green County Fair from July 18 to July 22 at the fairgrounds, and Potter’s Praise in The Park church service from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 29 in the north section of Twining Park.
• Granted a sidewalk cafe permit for Black Walnut Kitchen LLC.
• Granted a Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage License to Bullquarian Brewhouse LLC, which will allow the brewery to operate and sell any fermented malt beverage on premises with final approval by Plan Commission.
• Approved an application for a temporary Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage License to American Legion Zilmer-Riley Post 84 in conjunction with Green County Fair beer garden.
• Granted annual liquor and fermented malt beverage licenses.
• Heard concerns from council member Chris Beer regarding the scheduling of committee meetings during the daytime. Beer said the times prohibit working people from attending meetings.
• Heard from Comptroller Bridget Schuchart, who said the department is working to eliminate old, outstanding checks by sending a letter and affidavit asking recipients whether it was cashed or if they prefer to have it re-issued. Schuchart said unclaimed funds would be turned over to the Green County treasurer as unclaimed property.
On Monday, the Monroe Common Council:
• Approved a banking services agreement with Wisconsin Bank & Trust for three years and up to three additional one-year options after its agreement with First National Bank and Trust ended. Four firms submitted proposals.
• Entered into an agreement with Badger State Ethanol to allow an overhead process line over the West 17th Street right-of-way from its existing facility to a planned future project to build a bagging operation on the north side of the street on land already owned by Badger Ethanol.
• Authorized a special event permit application from Main Street Monroe for a First Thursday Wine Walk event at multiple locations downtown from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. July 12 and granted a temporary “Class B” Wine License in conjunction with the event.
• Hired Fehr Graham for construction inspection services on the 21st Street Traffic Signal Project for $12,9000 paid out of the Street Construction Capital budget.
• Approved special event permit applications from the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department and Main Street Monroe. Parks and Recreation was granted approval for the annual Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration held from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday. Main Street Monroe will hold Generosity Day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28, which will temporarily close the inside lanes of the south and east sides of the Square.
• Heard comment from Assistant City Administrator Sam Liebert, who informed council that he held a conference call with the Green County Fair Board and zoning consultants from Vandewalle & Associates Inc. to help explain the planned shift in city zoning. Liebert said plans are moving forward to overhaul the city zoning code, with a Plan Commission meeting Aug. 8 for final review before a final vote by council Sept. 4.
— Bridget Cooke